Chief Lartigue would like citizens to understand that cyber stalking is becoming more prevalent in our community and it’s a charge that the department is taking seriously.

Cyber stalking according to Louisiana Law is the “Electronic communication, meaning computer, cell phone, pager, video recorder or other means sent to a person identified by a unique address or address number and received by that person.

“Use in electronic mail or electronic communication of any words or language threatening to inflict bodily harm to any person or to such person’s child, sibling, spouse or dependent or physical injury to the property of any person, or for the purpose of extorting money or other things of value from any person.”

“Electronically mail or electronically communicate to another and to knowingly make any false statement concerning death, injury, illness, disfigurement, indecent conduct, or criminal conduct of the person electronically mailed or of any member of the person’s family or household with the intent to threaten, terrify or harass.”

Louisiana law also states that for juveniles the same law applies as cyber bullying. “These crimes will be taken as seriously as any other crime.” Chief Lartigue said, “I want everyone to understand that cyber stalking is a felony charge.” Lartigue went on to say, “People should be aware that cyber stalking isn’t just by way of text messaging or calling on a phone,” Lartigue said, “Everyone should also be cautious of what they say on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter.”

Chief Lartigue reported five arrests this week due to a cyber stalking complaint that was filed with the Ville Platte Police Department on July 29, 2012. After an investigation was conducted there was evidence of cyber stalking that led to a warrant being executed on the following suspects.

Lafonda Castille, 22 of 190 Beauregard St., Opelousas was arrested on August 9, 2012 and charged with cyber stalking. Castille was released on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Monique Holmes, 24 of 1578 Old Tram Rd., Oakdale was arrested on August 9, 2012 and charged with cyber stalking. Holmes was released on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Markeisha Chapman 20, of 706 2nd St., Mamou was arrested on August 9, 2012 and charged with cyber stalking. Chapman was released on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Bianca Landry, 23 of 1321 1st St. ,Mamou was arrested on August 10, 2012 and charged with cyber stalking. Landry was released on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Keosha Thomas, 21 of 125 South 13th Street, Oakdale was arrested on August 13, 2012 and charged with cyber stalking. Thomas was released on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Chief Lartigue reports the Narcotics Division is working hard to fight the narcotics problem in the city.

Coastandzer Arvie, 23 of 706 Derouen St. Ville Platte was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with resisting by flight and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Arvie was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he remains incarcerated on a $15,000.00 bond set by Judge John Larry Vidrine and a hold for Probation and Parole and also a hold for Mamou PD on an outstanding warrant.

Jonathan Seialle, 22 of 1010 Mattie Lane, Ville Platte was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Seraille was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he remains incarcerated on a $15,000.00 bond set by Judge John Larry Vidrine.

Luvell Ferguson, 22 of 2076 B.L. Ferguson Rd. Ville Platte was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with possession of marijuana. Ferguson was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he remains incarcerated in a $2,500.00 bond.

Paul Durgin, 32 of 111 East LaSalle St. Ville Platte was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with failure to signal 100 feet prior to turn and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Durgin was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he remain incarcerated on a $15,000.00 bond set by Judge John Larry Vidrine.

Travosky Goodly, 29 of 1072 Goodly Rd. Ville Platte was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with open container and possession of marijuana. Goodly was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he was released on a $2,700.00 bond.

Chief Lartigue commends the officers and detectives for their hard work. Lartigue also reminds citizens that anonymous tips are helping the officers and detectives remove drug offenders from our streets. Call and report illegal activity to the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

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The Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum operated by the City of Ville Platte is open to the public every Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Come view the amazing artifacts, photos, records, Wall of Fame and hear the music. Admission charge is $3 adults, $2 seniors and $1 for children under 12. The museum is located on Northwest Railroad Avenue.